Spies, Thieves, and Knights

After a few days of rest, Jayda had returned to her usual self. When she returned to Mae'Var's guildhouse, she found Edwin with his robes in a bunch, agitated that it had taken her so long to come back to work. With a list of services for her to perform, she spent nearly a tenday working her way back into his "good graces", if it could be called such. She was relieved to spend most of her time in the field, however; every moment she spent in the guildhall, she felt eyes on her but could never detect the source. It was unsettling.

During that busy time, Jayda had managed to collect the reward from the guards for solving the Skinner murders, as they had been dubbed, adding five-hundred gold pieces to their savings. Feeling renewed, Jayda and her friends had decided to check out the strange affairs happening in the back rooms of the Copper Coronet and uncovered Lehtinan's fighting ring and the slavery operation being organized out of the docks. With a thunderous vengeance—for Minsc was not the only one ready to enact righteous fury on the slavers—they destroyed the fighting ring, freed the slaves, and eliminated Lehtinan. Hendak, a leader of the slaves, took the vermin's place as owner of the Coronet, and then Jayda and her comrades dispatched, one by one, the slavers of Athkatla.

They were hailed as heroes by some, cursed as meddlers by others, and overall found little had changed at their beloved Slums inn.

/

One night at The Copper Coronet, Jayda and her friends were in good spirits and conversation hummed at their table, nearly meeting the lively energy of the rest of the tavern. A few wenches coaxed Minsc into a dance as the bards struck up a new melody; though the ladies tugged on Anomen's arms, it was Minsc who managed to pull the squire into the fray. Aerie, laughing, was comfortable watching from afar; but as soon as Jaheira excused herself for some fresh air, overzealous men easily swept the winged elf off into the merriment. They tried with Jayda, but they proved no match for a Bhaalspawn that did not wish to dance.

She finished her ale and set the mug on the table, keeping an eye on Aerie being spun through the crowd, careful to make sure no harm came to her. A person filled the space next to her and suddenly another mug was planted in front of her. She grinned up at Gaelan Bayle.

"Coo! No work tonight," he said, motioning to her empty tankard. "Not one for a dance?"

"Not with them," she replied, "but I might be convinced."

He grinned and lifted his drink to his mouth. "Maybe I'll have to try convincin' ye later," and he took a gulp of his ale. "Good thing I brought ye another drink. I feel sure I'll be needin' it for persuasion."

She laughed and sipped it. "A better way to persuade me would be to earn your way into my good graces."

"And here I thought I had, what with settin' ye up with work and makin' the offer to help ye find yer friend," he said. She gave him a look that told him that was only the beginning. "Yer a hard woman to please…" he purred curiously and then took another pull on his ale. "Alright, then, go on. Tell me what I might do to earn me Lady's favor."

"You could start with the identity of your 'friends' that offered to help me," she replied.

"Coo! Ye really don't wanna dance, do ye? Ye pick the one thing ye know I cannot do." He set his drink on the table, pretending to be disappointed. "Was worth a try, at least."

"I was thinking something similar…" she admitted with a smile.

Jayda enjoyed Gaelan's company. On their first meeting, she had thought him to be handsome, and as they had spoken, he had proved charming as well. In spite of her anger at his well-guarded secrets, their chance encounters had been enjoyable; somehow, he managed to take her mind off of the troubles that plagued her. Not to mention she enjoyed bantering with him. He was quick-witted and charismatic, even with his Slum dialect. There was something to be said about the allure of bad boys, but Jayda pushed the thought out of her mind, deciding her attraction to him was surface, at best.

...

Gaelan watched the way she responded to him and was fascinated by it. He had previously interacted with two types of women: those who wanted nothing to do with him and those who were ready to spread their legs after a hearty and well-intended "good evening". Jayda was someone he found harder to read and, dare he think it, almost friend-like. He couldn't recall having any female friends not old enough to be his mum.

It was his job to watch her, encourage her trust in him and his friends, and guide her into their arrangement, but it was also against the rules to become personally involved. Gaelan had never made that kind of mistake before, and he certainly wouldn't now. Business was business. Still, he fancied the fantasies and told him himself to enjoy the game while he could.

As they talked, he swept his gaze over the crowd several times, making note of who was present and who might be watching. It wasn't until his third glance that he noticed a shifty fellow on the other side of the room, peering at them. He instantly recognized the lout as one of Mae'Var's friends and knew they would be in trouble if something wasn't done.

There was only one way to shatter the illusion for the spy, and so, without warning, Gaelan stretched out of his chair and trapped Jayda in hers. He leaned down and felt her still under him so he closed his eyes and waited for the blow but nothing happened. Frowning, Gaelan opened his eyes and saw her staring wide-eyed at him, the blush of alcohol in her face.

"What're ye doing?" he asked.

"I-I wonder the same thing of you!" she retorted.

He bent into her, grabbing her by the shoulders and pulling her closer. He dipped his head into her neck on the side the spy could not see and kissed her throat and jaw, working his way to her ear. Her uncertain gasp almost made him lose his focus.

"One of Mae'Var's thugs has been watchin' us," he whispered breathily. "Hit me."

"What?" she whispered, half-heartedly pushing at his chest.

"Hit me!" he hissed. "It be the only way to throw 'im off our relationship."

She shoved him back hard, but he just came in again, playing the part of a drunk that couldn't catch a clue. He scooped her up again and went for her neck, noting another vibration of enjoyment in her throat. How much had she drunk, he wondered. Jayda suddenly pushed him back and decked him in the jaw, sprawling him on the floor. He grimaced, touching his cheek, and wondered why she had to punch him so hard. She grabbed her ale and tossed it on him as he tried to stand.

They stood there, staring at one another, as Gaelan tried not to laugh. Then something happened that easily wiped the amusement from his mood. Minsc barreled out of the crowd, drunk and enflamed.

"What has happened here?" he exclaimed, noting a doused Gaelan kneeling on the ground and a flustered Jayda looming over him. "You dare try to violate my precious friend?"

"No, no, no," Gaelan protested, but it was too late.

"Squeaky wheels get the kick!" the ranger exclaimed and he raised his arms high, loosing a cleaving swing down on the rogue.

Gaelan rolled out of the way just in time and jumped to his feet. He heard Jayda's exclamations for Minsc to stop, but the drunken ranger did not hear her. Gaelan ducked a series of swings, wondering if his opponent was nearing some aspect of berserker rage. Not wanting to injure or be injured, Gaelan looked for a possible escape, but the throng was tightening a circle around the fight, chanting excitedly for blood.

Minsc roared and charged at Gaelan, who barely managed to dodge. The ranger was too enraged to stop himself and his barreling run tackled nearly four men to the ground. In that moment, the crowd erupted in a fight; fists flew everywhere as chaos ensued. Jayda ducked several swings before she felt a hand clamp around her wrist.

Gaelan tugged her through the mob and, as they wove through the rough-housing, Jayda noted Aerie being protected by Anomen at the far end of the room. They slipped out of the Coronet and didn't stop to rest until they were hidden in an alley, gasping for breath.

"Mae'Var's rat didn't follow us," Gaelan mumbled and then grinned at her. "Nice punch…"

"Sorry," she whimpered with a chuckle then gingerly touched his cheekbone. He hissed and flinched. "Ah, that'll bruise… Not to mention, you reek."

"I have you to thank for that as well," he added pointedly, tugging at his sopping shirt; he released it and sighed as it clung to his skin again. "Well, that be one way to get the evenin' started… ye up for part two?"

"I… should probably go rescue Aerie and Anomen. I don't know how many bar brawls they've seen, but between the two of them, I could probably count it on one hand."

"Suit yeself," he said and wrung the ale out of his tunic. He smirked and leaned into her. "Perhaps a little ale did the trick, didn't it? Ye seemed awfully persuaded in there. Almost thought ye might give me more than a dance, me Lady."

She cleared her throat and lightly shoved him back. "Don't make me hit you again…" she mumbled.

"Coo!" Gaelan howled, amused. "Careful, else ye play to a quiet fetish." He tipped his head to her. "Evening, me Lady."

And then he left.

/

The guildhall was always quiet during the day. The thieves slept in or spent their afternoons out. Jayda had been one of the ones to wake up early that day—and early for a thief was lunchtime. She was on her way up to see Edwin for the latest task and was just telling herself how she would give him a good talking to if he insisted on wasting her time anymore—enough was enough—when she realized she was not alone in the hallway.

Mae'Var slipped out from a hidden alcove and stopped her in her tracks. His hazy eyes reflected her surprise and a smile slithered across her face. He drifted across the carpet so smoothly, it was as if he were floating, and before she knew it he was standing directly in front of her.

"You've done well," he purred. "Edwin has reported nothing but unfailing action and success… if not an ounce of rebellion." He seemed pleased. "I suppose it suits you, and I look forward to quelling your defiance."

"Edwin said that?" she asked, disbelieving. He laughed breathily.

"Edwin has been telling me you are, at the very least, competent. Fairly good at the sneaksman's trade, but a little ham-fisted when you fight," he replied, provoking an agitated snarl from Jayda. "For him," he added, "that makes you practically family."

He lifted his gaze to the top of her head and the hood pulled over her hair. He reached out, catching the silver lining of her cowl between his fingers, and then he slowly and gently caressed the soft fabric, up and down.

"You have nearly proven your worth to my guild… Though you keep strange company, I do not begrudge your taste. That fool of a thief finally got what was coming to him."

His cloudy eyes seemed to light up, and Jayda could only assume he was referring to what his spy had reported about the incident with Gaelan. She tried to smile, but her skin had bloomed goosebumps and her throat felt dry.

"Soon, you will be released from Edwin's service and transferred to my own. I can almost trust you. I'm sure I will find many uses for someone of your talents and skills." His grin was faint and as his fingers stroked downward on the hood, one finger reached out and gently caressed the side of her face. "I'm sure I will find… many uses for you…"

Jayda tried not to let her disgust show on her face, but no doubt he sensed how creepy she found him. It seemed to please him all the more.

"I've a special task for you," he whispered, taking a slow circle around her. "You do this for me and you'll be set within the guild for whatever you need. Don't think it will be easy though." He stopped behind her and inhaled her scent then sighed erotically as though it were intoxicating. He bent to her ear and whispered. "There is a… shhh…"—he put his finger to her lips—"there is a traitor amongst us… Yes," he hissed as Jayda's heart began to beat wildly, "one who has abused the trust we have given him. He must be dealt with… in a," he lightly tugged at the edge of her hood, his fingers gliding over her jaw, "permanent fashion."

She swallowed the lump in her throat, momentarily forgetting how he made her insides churn. Had he discovered her? Was he now toying with her like the sick bastard he was? She thought of reaching for her dagger but waited as Mae'Var came to stand before her again, his face too close to hers.

"Edwin has the details," he murmured. "Do this for me… and I will see you rewarded."

"He will not outlive the day," she whispered.

"Good…" he purred. "That's the spirit I like to see! Show him what it means to be a Shadow Thief."

Mae'Var's tongue twitched anxiously behind his lips. He leaned forward like he might kiss her but resisted; why, she didn't know, but she was grateful. Instead, his tongue flicked out and licked the top of her lip. Then, with a final smile, he quietly wandered away.

Jayda stood there, paralyzed, for several moments. When she was sure she was alone, she wiped her mouth and attempted to rub the goosebumps out of her arms, but she was too repulsed. She jumped up and down, trying to shake off the awful feeling, and then she marched up the last flight of stairs to where she knew Edwin would be. For the first time since the damnable red wizard had come into her life, she was happy to see him.

"There you are," he began. "You're late. What took you so long and why are you looking at me like that?" He cringed. "Your eyes are actually… affectionate."

"Misunderstanding," she told him. "I assure you. I just had a rather… chilling encounter with Mae'Var…"

"Speaking of our heartless leader," Edwin continued, "he has a job for you. The traitor Embarl is holed up in the Sea's Bounty and Mae'Var wants you to kill him—let's see, what were the words? Ah, yes—with prejudice. He bids you bring the fool's dagger as proof."

"Description?"

"He's a skinny worm of a fellow, with scraggly brown hair, say… about to here," he motioned just above his shoulders, "and a boy's fuzz to match." He stroked his chin and the brown-orange whiskers he possessed. "You can't miss him.

Jayda nodded, still visibly shaken, and turned to go.

"With this, you will have surpassed the exceedingly low expectations I had of you," he continued and she wondered if he was trying to provoke her. "You've exceeded your lowborn heritage and surged to the vanguard of goonery! You now have the trust of Mae'Var securely in hand, and have proven your competence to me once more… though just barely."

Jayda turned to him, fingers clenching into fists; she wasn't in the mood for his rabble—not today. If he wanted a fight, he'd get one.

"Now that I'm assured of your loyalty to the cause of the moment," Edwin said before she could charge him, "it seems an appropriate juncture to dispense with false pretenses. Your pretense of naiveté and wilderness manners is clever, but a Red Wizard sees more than mere appearance. You have a secret, Jayda." He drew closer. "I know why you are here," he whispered, "mashing your lips on Mae'Var's boots, and it's nothing to do with stipends or wages or other guild business."

"I don't know what you're talking about," she retorted.

"Don't insult my intelligence, as if you could comprehend it!" he exclaimed and then, after glancing around, lowered his voice again. "If you wish to maintain the lie then I will be forced to confront Mae'Var with my suspicions."

They glared at one another until Jayda, through gritted teeth, finally caved.

"What exactly do you want, Edwin?"

He shrugged. "As it happens, I know where we can find damning evidence of Mae'Var's betrayal of Renal Bloodscalp. That is your purpose here, isn't it?" He waited for her denial but she gave none. "Yes, I thought so. Mae'Var has been courting the Night Knives in order to bolster his own strategic position and betray Renal. Masterfully planned, but I have seen through it."

"Bold talking about this in the master's house," she muttered, "even in a whisper."

"I've silenced the place," he confessed, "but it never hurts to be too cautious."

"Who are the Knives?"

"A cutthroat guild of footpads, brigands, and highwaymen based in the congested cesspool of Westgate," he replied. "Obviously they wish to expand. Mae'Var is fully aware of the penalty if the Shadow Thieves learn of his plan. It would be disastrous, both for his ambitions and his continued breathing."

"And what makes you hop fences, Edwin?"

"Mae'Var plays a dangerous game crossing Renal Bloodscalp and I plan to be on the winning side in this affair."

"Self-preservation all the way, huh? So what's your plan, Thayvian?"

"The proof is locked away in Mae'Var's quarters," he told her, "and I conveniently have a key that opens his strongbox." He produced the small, silver object and Jayda grabbed for it but he snatched it quickly out of reach. "When you bring Embarl's dagger to Mae'Var, play up to him. I know he has his eye on you, though I cannot imagine what he finds so appealing. Seduce him into his bedchambers and after he has passed out, you will be free to take the documents."

"Sleep with him?" she balked, and shivered as though someone had walked over her grave.

"Why not? It will suit our purposes in the long run."

"No!"

"Listen, you ingrate! If you mess this up, it will be both our heads!"

Jayda growled and snatched the key. "I'll get those documents," she promised, "but I'll do it my way." And still with a repugnant feeling, Jayda left the guildhouse as fast as she possibly could.

/

The horizon was a velvety mixture of red, orange, and gold and the slum rooftops seemed to glow with a yellow hue. Jayda walked slowly back to the inn she and her friends had come to love. Mae'Var's fingers on her face, his breath on her skin, his deep inhale of her scent, and, worst of all, his tongue on her lips—she couldn't get them out of her head. She felt utterly violated and unclean, wanting nothing more than to bathe and purge herself of his touch.

It had been hours since she'd met with the guildmaster and she still had goosebumps that prickled her flesh. Why couldn't she rid herself of them? It so preoccupied her, that when Anomen suddenly appeared beside her, she nearly turned a dagger on him.

"Good evening! Are you returning to the Coronet?"

"Aye," she replied quietly, quickly returning the knife to its hidden sheath.

"Then… could we walk together? I myself am returning from a full day and would enjoy some company."

"Of course," she agreed. She enjoyed Anomen's company, true enough, but his mannerisms and formality made it challenging for her to relax around him.

"I prithee, my lady…" he began with a smile. "It fills me with no small amount of wonder that you have not asked me of my journeys ere we met. We have traveled a short while, and yet we know next to nothing of each other."

She wasn't sure traveled was the appropriate word-use but she didn't call him out. Instead, she nodded to acknowledge him.

"That's a fair point," she conceded. "Then, why don't you tell me of one of your journeys."

"There is precious little to tell," he confessed and she stifled a smile. "Although, my few adventures have been glorious, indeed. The path to knighthood is a long one, however… hence the need for my travels. But a few of my deeds have reached the ears of bards." He lifted his chin proudly. "Battle is commonplace enough throughout Amn, and the Order has fielded its army many times in recent years. Most recently, however… let me think… I was with our men when the orcs came down into the Ommlur Hills once again," he told her. "In great numbers, they are a force to fear… but individually, they are no match for a warrior. I, myself, was able to fight through many of them alone and take the head of one of their foul chieftains."

"That's very impressive," Jayda said sincerely as they trudged through the Slums.

"Aye, it has been a struggle to prove my worth to the Order. I wish nothing more than to ride into battle with the crest of the Radiant Heart flying over my head." He chuckled at the notion and quickly switched gears. "But I speak too much of my own deeds. One would think me preoccupied with pride. I would not blame you were you not interested in hearing tales of my prowess, truly."

"It isn't like that, Anomen. I enjoy your tales." It wasn't a lie. Hearing them from such a young and eager mind was refreshing. All she could remember were gruesome and bloody affairs that seemed to drain the hope and life from her and her friends, slowly and endlessly.

"I am interested in hearing something of yours, my lady. I have been told a little of your deeds in the Sword Coast, albeit they do sound quite fanciful and exaggerated."

"Well, most stories do grow with the telling, Anomen," she said with a laugh. "My story is no more exceptional than anyone else's."

"Aye, that has a ring of truth," he agreed as they turned onto the main street that would take them to their inn. "I did not think that you truly stopped a war in the north on your own, skilled as you might be," he laughed. "Rumor brings exaggeration, I am told."

Jayda bit her lower lip. "Actually, that part's true," she said quietly. "I did stop a war with Amn several months ago… b-but I didn't do it on my own, of course!" she added, waving her hands to warn him away from crazy assumptions. He still seemed shocked nonetheless.

"Well, of course you had fellow companions who aided you then as now," he said, more to convince himself than her. "And together you performed deeds as great as those I hope to accomplish in your service. A wondrous thing, indeed." Anomen smiled gently at her. "Perhaps you will tell me more, Jayda, as we walk… I would hear more of these former companions of yours and your valiant tales of the Sword Coast."

Jayda nodded after a moment, feeling her face warm under Helm's servant's tender gaze.

"All right," she agreed. "I think we may have time for one…"